Patrick Beverley baffled by Russell Westbrook's nickname in Los Angeles

Contrary to Beverley's claims, Westbrook has never shot 40% from three-point range. The best perimeter shooting season of the All-Star guard's career came in the 2016-17 season, where he converted 34.3% of his three-point attempts. Nevertheless, outside shooting isn't Westbrook's game. You don't acquire Westbrook to be a catch-and-shoot threat or spot-up shooter. You acquire him to be an elite rim-finisher, playmaker, and rebounder. 

Part of Westbrook's struggles with the Los Angeles Lakers was that his role didn't fit his playing style. Even at 34 years old, Westbrook is still an elite athlete and is best when the ball is in his hands. Punishing Westbrook for not excelling in an area that doesn't suit his playing style was, and is, unfair. However, there weren't enough touches on a team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to see the nine-time All-Star at his best. 

If you want MVP-level Westbrook, give him the keys to your offense. That's the unfortunate part. Westbrook's playing style forces teams to change their system. Unfortunately, Westbrook projects to be better suited to middling teams rather than genuine contenders. As such, there's a realistic chance the veteran struggles with the L.A. Clippers in the coming season. 

Westbrook didn't deserve the 'Westbrick' nickname, but the fault falls on the coaches and front office staff who thought they could change a 13-year veteran's play style.